FROM ZERO TO HERO: Patriots’ $15 Million Star Leads the Entire NFL in Pro Bowl Voting – The Journey to the Top

SoFi Stadium was blazing bright ahead of the emotionally charged reunion between the Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Rams, but just minutes before kickoff, Jared Goff drew every gaze in an unusual way. During his final warm-ups, the Lions quarterback wore a white Wish band with handwritten words: “Towards Washington.” No lengthy explanation needed — that message was enough to bring the atmosphere to a hush. According to internal Lions sources, the wristband was Goff’s way of expressing deep sympathy for the people of Washington state — where a severe flooding disaster is forcing many families to evacuate urgently. On the eve of an iconic game at his former home stadium, Goff chose to use the national stage to turn the NFL’s attention toward people who need compassion more than ever. Entire towns are underwater as widespread, historic flooding grips Washington, caused by days of heavy rain that have pushed rivers to levels never seen before. pic.twitter.com/7EwRcyotCe — AccuWeather (@accuweather) December 12, 2025 Images of Goff warming up at SoFi with the words “Towards Washington” quickly went viral on social media. Lions Nation shared it widely, calling it “a moment of quiet leadership.” No slogans, no showmanship — just a reminder strong enough to rise above all win-loss debates in a pressure-filled week. When asked about the meaning of the wristband, Goff answered slowly: “There are days when football isn’t the biggest thing anymore,” he said. “We have the chance to take the field in front of millions of people. If in that moment, I can remind everyone to think about families in distress who need care, then I think that’s the right thing to do.” The press room fell silent. Before the opening whistle sounded at SoFi Field, Jared Goff had already “scored points” in a way no stat sheet can measure. No matter the outcome against the Rams, that moment transcended the boundaries of one game. For Lions Nation, Goff wasn’t just returning to where his career began — he brought with him the grit, maturity, and heart of Detroit, right when the NFL needed it most.